Is art imitating life? In Kate Hudson‘s latest ads for Ann Taylor, the actress looks like she’s taking on the role of stylist for the shoot. And since “clothing designer” is one of the bullet points she added her to her resumé in 2013, it’s no surprise that she looks incredibly comfortable assuming that persona for the line’s spring 2014 campaign.
The goal of the photos, shot by Mikael Jansson, was to capture Hudson’s multi-hyphenate career in one super-busy day. And again, art imitated life, as the working mom brought her two sons to the Hollywood set where she was spending the day in the director’s chair (and simultaneously modeling). “I love the spring collection,” Hudson said. “It captures my life as a working mom and how we all balance those parts of our lives.”

Courtesy Ann Taylor

Sons Ryder, 10, and Bingham, 2, join their mom in the ads, even getting in on the action by holding a clapboard (presumably to yell “Action!” before the production assistants fire up the wind machine to get Hudson’s hair just so) and hanging out on her hip while she directs the camera. And while some actresses might be afraid to be upstaged by super-cute costars, Hudson doesn’t seem to mind one bit.

Courtesy Ann Taylor

The actress also helped direct the feel of the ads by handpicking her favorite pieces from the collection — like the fitted pinstripe button-up she pairs with a perforated white pencil skirt seen in the exclusive behind-the-scenes photo below. And given her all-time favorite item of clothing, it’s no surprise she was immediately drawn to the top. “I have to say I love a crisp white shirt, any time of year, with anything,” she tells PEOPLE. “[With] jeans. Under a trench. With a sexy black pencil skirt. Even over a bikini in summer!”

Courtesy Ann Taylor

What do you think of Hudson’s latest ads? Is it fun to see her cracking up on set? Tell us in the comments below.

–Alex Apatoff

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